The Lagos State Government is supporting two endurance events to raise awareness about drug abuse and mental health. The organizers plan to run campaigns in different states.
Olufemi Osinubi and Dare Akinrodoye lead these initiatives. They got support from the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development during a meeting with the organizers on Tuesday.
Mr Osinubi is using long-distance running to fight against drug abuse. Mr Akinrodoye is using endurance activities to highlight depression, suicide, and other mental health issues.
Lekan Fatodu, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, said these events show how sports can tackle social issues beyond regular competitions.
"As a government, we are always committed to supporting the positive work of our people. Their drive to uplift others and promote social development is connected to sports," Mr Fatodu said.
He added that the physical challenges and their social goals make these events good platforms to share important messages.
"They engage in impressive sports activities that test human limits. That is why this matters.
"What we do in sports and youth development goes beyond normal competitions. We know we can reach society in many ways through sports," he added.
Running Against Drug Abuse
Mr Osinubi is leading the Race Against Drug Abuse campaign. He and a team will run from Abuja to Lagos.
This challenge follows his recent run from Ibadan to Lagos to raise awareness about drug abuse.
He said his running advocacy started in 2024. He plans to take the campaign beyond Lagos with help from relevant government agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The goal is to use endurance running to highlight the dangers of drug abuse, especially among young people.
Taking Mental Health Advocacy Across Three States
Mr Akinrodoye is using endurance challenges to promote mental health awareness, based on his own struggles.
In 2024, he swam the 11.8-kilometre stretch of the Third Mainland Bridge to raise awareness about mental health.
His new initiative, called Mind Over Miles, is set for November 15. It will take him through Osun, Ogun, and Lagos states in a triathlon.
The challenge starts with a 3.8-kilometre swim at Owala Dam in Osogbo, Osun State. Then, he will cycle 180 kilometres from the dam to the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State.
The final part is a 42.2-kilometre run to Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Mr Akinrodoye said his dedication to mental health awareness comes from his personal experiences.
Government Pledges Support
Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, said the campaigns fit with the government's efforts to address drug abuse and boost mental health awareness.
"For us as a government, we don’t just discover and leave behind; we nurture and build good relationships.
"We have ongoing advocacy against drug abuse, and we must keep using every chance we have.
"Mental health is real, and we need to raise awareness so young people who are struggling know that the government is paying attention," he said.
The planned challenges will take the organizers' advocacy beyond Lagos. They aim to use endurance events to highlight issues affecting young people and get more public involvement in drug abuse prevention and mental health awareness.
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